Official website of the President of Russia

News   /

President Hu Jintao paid state visit to Russia; it was his first foreign trip since his election on March 15, 2003.

Mr Putin and Mr Hu held an informal meeting at the Russian leader’s Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow.

Mr and Mrs Putin warmly greeted President Hu and his wife, Yongqing, and President Putin presented flowers to Mrs Liu.

After an official photo session, both leaders and their wives took a walk around the grounds and talked to journalists. President Putin said the schedule of Mr Hu’s visit was quite full. Official Russian-Chinese consultations will be held on May 26, and negotiations within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit will take place the very next day. After that, both leaders will continue their working contacts during celebrations of the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg.

Mr Putin noted with satisfaction that a person, who was more than just an experienced politician, but someone who had special feelings towards Russia, had been elected President of China. This is why Mr Putin showed particular consideration to Mr Hu, so that the Chinese leader would realise that the talks were taking place among friends.

Mr Hu thanked Mr Putin for the invitation to visit Moscow and St Petersburg and expressed confidence that his state visit would yield positive results. Mr Hu also underscored the importance of expanded bilateral cooperation and said the visit to Russia was his first foreign trip as the leader of China.

Members of the press were then dismissed, and Mr and Mrs Putin, Mr Hu and Mrs Liu continued their conversation at an informal dinner.